Historic Embassy Inauguration
In a milestone event underscoring the strong relations between Fiji and Israel, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in officially inaugurating the new Embassy of Fiji in Jerusalem on Wednesday (17 September). The ICEJ’s branch in Fiji has worked for decades towards this moment, and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was well represented at the embassy opening and other events during PM Rabuka’s historic visit to Israel this week.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s Remarks
At the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka noted that “our presence here reflects our desire to build bridges – not walls – between nations, cultures, and peoples… The people of Fiji share a very close religious and cultural connection to the Holy Land. We deeply value your great nation, which is the birthplace of Christianity. Our similarities, faith and common values continue to strengthen us together in unity and solidarity, as witnessed here this afternoon.”
“We seek to deepen our bilateral ties with the State of Israel in areas that matter most to our people, that is, climate resilience, agriculture, innovation, border security, energy and digital transformation,” he further commented. “I hope this Embassy will be a place where Pacific wisdom meets Middle Eastern innovation.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Response
In his remarks, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Rabuka and the Fijian people for the opening of Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem, saying that Israel and Fiji share a strong friendship founded on mutual respect, religious and common values, and a commitment to peace and prosperity.
Traditional Welcome Ceremony
At the Embassy opening, Fijian natives Fine Ditoka and Kelera Cirimaiwasa of the ICEJ staff in Jerusalem had the honour of placing traditional welcome wreaths on prime ministers Rabuka and Netanyahu.
ICEJ Cyrus Award Presentation
On Thursday evening, ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler also had the privilege of bestowing the Cyrus Award on Prime Minister Rabuka at a banquet held in his honour at the Friends of Zion Museum. Named for the key biblical figure, the Cyrus Award is given to heads of government who have the wisdom and courage to open their nation’s embassy in Jerusalem.
Fiji’s Diplomatic Milestone
Fiji becomes the 100th diplomatic mission in Israel and the 7th country to open its Embassy in Jerusalem, alongside the U.S., Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay.
ICEJ’s Role in Promoting Jerusalem Diplomacy
The ICEJ was founded in 1980 on the principle of Christian recognition of the 3,000 year-old Jewish claim and connection to Jerusalem, as is affirmed in the Bible. The ICEJ and its branch offices in over 90 nations have advocated ever since for the nations to return to Jerusalem by opening their embassies in the Israeli capital city. We congratulate the ICEJ-Fiji branch for their success in convincing the government and people of Fiji that this is the right and moral position for their nation to take.
